CHAPTER 9
At home that night, Gary opened his fridge freezer and contemplated the slim pickings inside. He'd have to zap some frozen leftover takeaway curry. He was prising it free with a knife when his doorbell rang.
Shit. He just wanted to watch some mindless TV and collapse into bed. However, instead of playing possum, he trudged over to the door and opened it. Robyn stood outside, wearing a tight skivvy and short skirt. His heart fluttered.
"Hi there," she said, holding up a bottle of red wine. "Want some company?"
He didn't but, not wanting to appear rude, forced a smile onto his face. "How'd you guess? Come in."
As she strolled past him, he admired her long legs and the slight - almost subliminal - wiggle of her bottom. His pants got crowded and heart beat faster.
She said: "We can watch some TV. A new cop show starts tonight."
"I don't like cop shows."
"Why not?"
"I can't follow the plots."
"Then we can watch something else."
She sat on the lounge, still clutching the wine. Her skirt rode higher. His gaze skidded off her breasts and clung desperately to her face.
She said: "What did you do today?"
"Not much: only disarmed a thermonuclear warhead; I'm getting slower every time. What about you? Did you look for a job?"
"No, stayed home and took it easy. So I got to meet your visitor."
"What visitor?"
"About noon, I saw him coming down the stairs from your place."
"What did he look like?"
"About fifty. Grey hair. Wore a suit. Carried a briefcase. Very tough looking."
"Did you speak to him?"
"Yep. I said you were out, but I'd give you a message. He told me not to worry, he'd call back later."
"Did he say when?"
"No."
Gary shrugged. "Probably selling insurance. Make yourself comfy while I electrocute my dinner."
"What're you having?"
"Re-heated takeaway."
She grimaced. "Don't you ever cook?"
"Only when I boil the flesh off my victims. I'll be with you in a moment. Turn on the tube."
As Gary ducked back into the kitchen, Robyn picked up the remote control. He'd just opened the microwave door when he felt a hot gust of air. His feet left the floor and he slammed into the fridge.